There is an increasing concern about inactivity and its relation to diabetes. This is not the only contributing factor. However, there is an increase in this problem. More children are having it and at younger ages.
Here is one of the main things which school personnel must remember. If a school child has been diagnosed with low or high blood sugar, the proper diet at school is essential. It is not optional. This includes the time and type of snacks. Be sure to learn about the needs of each of these children.
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels influence behavior, academic performance, and create serious health risks. It is very important to maintain a balance avoiding high and low levels of blood sugar. For some children, this balance can be maintained with food only. For others, it is maintained with food and medication.
Carbohydrate is changed to sugar during digestion. If the carbohydrate content in a meal is too high, blood sugar rises excessively after the meal. If the carbohydrate content in a meal is too low, blood sugar can drop to dangerously low levels. A person who has low blood sugar or high blood sugar must carefully manage a consistent flow of the correct amount of carbohydrates.
A diet plan must be established by a physician, a diabetes educator, or a registered dietitian.
- Low Blood Sugar
- Symptoms: shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, anxious, dizziness, hunger, impaired vision, weakness, fatigue, headache, irritability.
- Causes: Too little food, too much insulin or diabetes medicine, extra exercise.
- Onset: Sudden, may progress to insulin shock.
- What be can done? Drink a half cup of orange juice or milk, or eat several hard candies. Contact school nurse or follow other support plans such as parent contact. Test blood sugar and if symptoms don't stop call a doctor. Within 30 minutes after symptoms go away, have the child eat a light snack (half a peanut butter or meat sandwich and a half cup of milk. Caution: observe recommended amounts.)
- High Blood Sugar
- Symptoms: extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, hunger, blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea.
- Causes: Too much food, too little insulin, illness, or stress.
- Onset: Gradual, may progress to diabetic coma.
- What can be done? Contact school nurse or follow other support plans such as parent contact. Test blood sugar. If it is over 250 mg/dl for several tests, call the doctor.
For some children and grown-ups, traditional treats can be dreaded temptations if they are living with serious medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes, ADHD, etc. Avoidance of certain foods can help control some symptoms. Most people are sensitive enough include non-alcoholic beverages for guests who have problems with alcohol, but they often overlook other dietary needs of guests by not knowing about the conditions or not knowing how to help.
It is hard for teachers to know all dietary restrictions and guidelines for children. The responsibility lies with parents to let teachers know and to provide tasty alternatives so the child can enjoy holiday parties. If you "package and sell" non-traditional treats cleverly enough, other children will want to join the child with the special dietary needs.
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